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The long anticipated HAO L119A2 Upper has been released, and Rich at The Reptile House was provided a Beta release of the upper to test and review, which has provided a slew of fascinating articles. Check them out below:

I first blogged about the HAO L119A2 upper some time ago, and I’m pleased to see it released, I know many who had been eagerly awaiting it. From the photos and articles pertaining to it, it looks an excellent product, and certainly one which would interest me greatly were it for a platform I used – PTW owners have something special here.

There’s a number of very minor discrepancies with the upper, contrary to assertions made on other reviews (not TRH), although nothing critical which cannot be tweaked. I know the Angry Gun rail likewise has a number of small inaccuracies.

Ultimately, comparisons will always be drawn, but both products had different appeals, design intents and markets, and do their respective jobs admirably. While a huge fan of what Angry Gun launched onto the L119A2 fandom market a year ago, as a designer I am likewise hugely impressed by what HAO have done here, it looks stunning. Ultimately more attention to the replica L119 market is always a good thing, especially when it is as good looking as this. It’s going to be interesting too seeing Rich’s build develop.

Rich’s journey with his build somewhat mirrors mine with my NGRS L119A1, and we both took similar routes with adding A2 uppers for a hybrid setup too. Thankfully I dodged his nightmare experience with AMS, mine was slow, but nowhere near the trial Rich went through. I’m sure it was an ordeal, but the quality of the build hopefully makes it worth it when all is said and done.

Well done to Rich on the excellent build, and I can only apologise for my previous recommendation of AMS – the work they did for me was great, but their behaviour with many others subsequent has been shocking.

Most people interested in Diemacos, Colt Canada rifles and UKSF Impressions are now familiar with the L119A2 as used by UKSF, and first seen in use at Ex Winchester Accord. This L119A2, with the full rails top and bottom and partial rails to the front on the sides, with single slots to the rear sides and slick areas between, is fast becoming the ‘classic’ form.

Those with keen eyes and their ears to the ground may also know of the other variant (pictured above) of the L119A2 in British service, which features full side rails and a different sling mount. This second variant has been dubbed L119A2.5 informally by a couple of observers, but it seems to be really an alternate version of the same A2. Indeed while the full rail variant of the A2 is a contemporary to the familiar part rail type, in developmental terms it seems less advanced. Honestly, who uses the side rails in the middle?

It would seem therefore, more of a L119A1.9, if it must have a nickname.

As far as I can determine, the partial rail version is standard issue for UKSF units which have switched to the A2, while the full rail has been issued to other none UKSF users of the A2. Exactly what units I won’t expand upon.

All of this begs the reasonable question, ‘why the second variant?’

I learned of the full rail variant, some time before the only public picture about (as shown in this article) became public. I initially supposed these might be trial units which were tested before the design was later refined into the part rail type issued to UKSF – I am assured however this is not the case.

This is speculation – but I can suppose only two potential reasons, since I can’t fathom any functional benefit:

The full rail versions seem very similar to Canadian C8 IUR models used by their military and RCMP – although as yet I haven’t found an exact match, since most RCMP ones feature QD slots. It is possible the full rail IUR uppers were in stock at Colt Canada at time of order, and the production line was blocked out with other orders, so the full rail version would allow for a much shorter lead time and was therefore accepted.

Alternatively use of a full rail version may have been chosen since it, atleast at first glance, is more similar in features to an M4, which is a comparatively more common weapon, and so may arose less attention.

If anyone has any other hypotheses or guidance then please do proffer them – either for an addendum to this article, or private background knowledge.

The 15.7 in L119A2 upper is known about, and indeed a public picture is now available. It is not known at the moment if a long variant of the full rail version exists or is issued.

So no answers – but some interesting questions.

It is also interesting to note the single QD sling end plate used on the full rail version, which I believe to be Magpul ASAP-QD – an interesting alternative for those who dislike the standard ASAP.

As an aside, note the GG&G Vertical Grip, as alluded to in the recent The Reptile House article on the subject. On top of the picture from the London Bridge attacks, this is the second sighting of the accessory and makes it the stand out choice for those wanting an unquestioningly legit vertical grip for an A2.

For anyone who follows high end airsoft builds, HAO will need little introduction. They are a Taiwanese airsoft company who specialise primarily in parts for the Systema PTW platform, but who are increasingly providing for a wider range.

The airsoft company appears to be an offshoot side interest for a larger commercial entity, and as such HAOs product range is somewhat eclectic, and appears to be driven by the interests of those working there. HAO are also far from prolific, with only a handful of products, and very long development times for products.

What HAO do have is a likely unsurpassed adherence to quality and exactitude in replicating real items. They fill a niche in the market for high end gear to fulfil particular interests.

I do not own any HAO products myself, a combination of the fact that as yet, much of their catalogue hasn’t overlapped with the sort of projects I embark on, and secondly, where they do, the prices are substantial. While I haven’t yet bought any of their products, The Reptile House Blog has covered HAO extensively with first hand reviews of their products and insight into their production processes. The details on ‘TRH Blog article on HAO’s new SOCOM suppressors is particularly interesting.

Until a year or so ago HAO had been on my radar as a company who produced great items which features on several builds I admired, but little more. However after L119A2 pictures became public in May 2016, and I was approaching various airsoft manufacturers to drum up interest in an A2 style rail, a process which eventually culminated in the release of the Angry Gun L119A2 rail, I became aware HAO were also interested in making an A2 rail. I contacted them and they confirmed it was in the works, and I sent a batch of reference photos, however my contact with HAO has been significantly less involved than my discussions with Angry Gun. HAO have on occasion teased progress on the L119 Owners Club Facebook group and I have spoken with them every so often to try and glean a little more.

HAO apparently have acquired one of the L119A2 overrun uppers which were released to civilians to work off. The key difference however between the Angry Gun and HAO L119A2 products is that the Angry Gun is produced as a rail to be fitted to a standard airsoft upper, while HAO are looking to produce an entire monolithic upper, as per the real weapon.

Angry Gun’s approach, with a clever and solid concealed attachment system, vastly increased versatility, catered for pretty much every platform on the market, and cut costs dramatically. HAOs conversely will be made for only a couple of platforms, namely PTW and GBBR (there is talk of a third, although this would apparently come later). This approach also means a HAO L119A2 upper will be substantially more expensive, and presumably will need to include barrel, barrel nut, gas assembly, and also potentially wrenches etc for actually taking apart the monolithic upper. Various discussions with interested A2 fans have produced a variety of guesses as to the eventual cost of the setup. I don’t think until things firm up, HAO even know at this stage, but it is likely to have a price tag to match the undoubted quality.

One final point to note, is that a monolithic upper may preclude production of the 15.7in variant due to the size of the machines used in production. This was a possibility which was raised early on, although after a long stretch of product development I am unsure if it was still the case.

I will publish further articles if and when I learn more on the project to try and keep people abreast of L119 developments.

Interview: Rich Norman Pics: Snook Snaps and Jay E27 is a UKSF Impression group based in the UK. – E27’s IG bio. As understated as the Regiment they are influenced by, E27 are titans of the UKSF impression scene. A remarkable feat, given that the group formed barely 16 months ago. I have a few […]

As a follow up to my first write up on the prototype L119A2 rail from Angry Gun/RedWolf UK, I thought I would do a piece on how my build with it has developed subsequent to the article, and capture the changes to the Marui NGRS Diemaco in general since it was featured on the much missed Reptile House Blog.

I ran my L119 with two uppers, one CQB 10in variant and another 16in SFW variant. Both these uppers and the lower were very much setup as a modern iteration of the L119.

When I received the L119A2 rail I decided to set it up as an A2 upper on an A1 lower in a ‘hybrid’ setup. It very much represents the successor to my CQB upper in terms of setup, and retains many of the same ergonomic and aesthetic approaches, while both utilising the benefits of the A2 features and reflecting referenced A2 setups and equipment.

My primary weapon setups since I started playing airsoft almost 7 years ago have been the L85A2, MP5 and L119A1; None of those platforms is distinguished by being at the current forefront of small arms innovation. While my interest in building weapons to suit impression kits has restricted me from exploring too far, I have been somewhat envious of the Geiselle railed HK416s and Block II M4A1s being used by others into American impressions. A L119A2 being adopted by UKSF, and now being buildable in airsoft form, has at last let me run a setup that is approaching being modern.

Accessory Selection

Both when at milsim/realsim events and skirmishes, I always look to eliminate any excess kit which can encumber movement, interfere with slinging the rifle or snag, so my kit choices are always geared toward both keeping a low profile with the rifle and allowing parts to be removed or altered as quickly as possible. It is important to be able to do this while still retaining the functionality required of the system, and staying true to reference material for the impression. As mentioned before, my setups are based on using kit seen in various pictures, or occasionally using brands known to be used, I rarely copy a specific picture exactly, but rather pick and choose from within the reference material to create solutions which work for me. Much as the real guys will put together individual gear setups from within the kit which is issued to them or can be acquired relatively easily.

The first step therefore was to examine what UKSF correct options would let me run a much slicker setup than that available on my A1s. The first consideration here was the optic. The referenced optics on A2s are a Trijicon TA01ECOS ACOG, an Aimpoint Comp M4 (on standard or GG&G mount) or a Aimpoint Micro T1 (on a GG&G mount). The T1 was a standout choice, it is small and light, which contributed to the setup I was trying to achieve, and it was broadly distinct from an A1 setup, since T1s on L119A1s are much rarer than ACOGs or M4s. Furthermore the real GG&G mount was accessible and replica T1s perform much better and are much more usable for my intended purpose than replica ACOGs.

There were few other decisions setup wise. I decided on a Surefire FH556-216A as opposed to the SOCOM flash hider since I prefer the look, while the Element LA-5B is a stock choice for any modern British spec Diemaco. The AFG is well pictured with the real guys, and is also my favourite foregrip, so that was my choice at the front; I went for the older AFG1 variant since I prefer the ‘wings’ on the side and slightly wider profile. A Magpul RSA-QD ensured the A2 upper could interface with the same sling as my A1 uppers, or indeed forego a sling if needed.

Finally the flashlight is perhaps the largest expense beside the weapon, assuming you aren’t using real optics. Based on reference pictures, the Surefire M620V is the salient choice. You could probably get away with the dependable M600 Scoutlight, although it is abit obsolete, it is a much more accessible choice if going for real weaponlights. I have had enough replica flashlights fail that I was loath to not go real, however I really wanted to run a M620V. The chunky aesthetic, lack of a clunky bolt like on the M600, and QD feature all attracted me. To this end I went for a Night Evolution M620V, which seemed a good unit, although the lack of realistic trades annoyed the perfectionist in me, so it got painted immediately.

In a very lucky break however, in the space of a week from receiving the replica, I noticed a real M620V head on sale for a very, very good price. Additionally I knew another member of E27 was looking to shift a M620V body, and he very kindly threw in the port for a tail switch. With a Surefire tailswitch scavenged from my bits box, I had a real, working M620 for about £100. I couldn’t find a real mount for it, but I bought a repro mount from a fellow Diemaco builder, and promptly replaced the replica M620V with a real one. Very lucky I grant you, but it does go to show how a combination of patience, research and keeping your eyes peeled can sometimes combine with some good fortune to let you really get the most for your money with builds.

Setup

When seen next to the A1 uppers, the A2 will hopefully stand out as a development from them, but also display the similarities in ethos which have been used and tested on the other setups. The A2 most vitally allows a much sleeker setup, the rearward side rails are now slick, and you only have rail where needed, while the much longer free floating rail allows the hand hold to move much further forward and increase stability and decrease the congestion evident in A1 builds with a lot of attachments. It really does work a lot better than the A1, and the silhouette is striking and distinct, which is pleasing for those not wanting UKSF kits to get too generic – while much of the gear choices look rather American nowadays, the rifle retains a rather unique look.

This sleekness and the improved ergonomics are the key benefit to the L119A2 over the A1 in airsoft terms. For those hoping the setup will be lighter, it is unlikely to be the case. My L119A2 upper setup here is in fact heavier than the L119A1CQB, at 1798g to 1743g: This includes the fact the A1 has an Eotech 552 and MATech BUIS, while the A2 only has a T1. Without accessories the A2 upper is 170g heavier – That isn’t much at all, it certainly isn’t a heavy rifle and it is well balanced, but it dispels the notion that the sleeker setup will be lighter.

I have two further Angry Gun A2 rails in the pre-order, and when they arrive both will be going on full L119A2 builds, rather than the hybrid approach here. These will be much more involved builds and take a great deal longer to get right, however so this setup allows me to get started right away. I haven’t undertaken any receiver modifications yet to make the receiver itself more accurate, although that is certainkly on the cards in the future, I am considering various options on that front.

I still have one more article planned to write on the Angry Gun L119A2 rail, this one is more of an indulgence detailing my personal build, the final one will be somewhat more technical and give greater detail about the product. I will try and get it out before the pre-orders arrive around end September 2017.

The Concept HTIS Exercise Final Encore was not an ‘Op’ in the same vein as most milsim events. It was alternatively conceptualised as a training event. In some ways it was inspired by the recent real public counter terror drills for military and blue-light services; most notable of these, London’s Operation Strong Tower and Greater […]